In the shadow of the Himalayas, some 2500 years ago, there lived a great spiritual teacher. Siddhartha was born into a noble family and lived in tranquil luxury until he was 29, when his curiosity and compassion moved him to leave his palace to learn about human suffering. Following six years of study, fasting, and meditation, he experienced the deep understanding of enlightenment, and realized how to let go of desire and the suffering that goes with it. As the Buddha, he traveled widely throughout Asia to spread his teachings, which are the foundation of one of the world's great religions. This life of Buddha, in the form of an oversized picture book for readers 8 and up, is illuminated with lively, softly glowing paintings.